Miss USA, is a world famous beauty pageant that has been held annually since 1952. It is a place of beauty, talent and to discover the next Miss Universe. They had a purpose, to bring pageants into the everyday lives of young women across America and to give women the chance to use pageants as an outlet to showcase their passions, talents, and self-confidence across the country. For 69 years Miss USA has been a great success and still is to this day.

But this article is not really about the Miss USA pageant…it’s about 30 year old Cheslie Kryst, 2019 Miss USA, who died on January 31, 2022 by suicide. 

Kryst was an African-American beauty queen who was crowned Miss USA in 2019: she was also an attorney, model, fashion blogger and television presenter. She was an inspiration to many and blessed the world with her heart and smile.

It was said that she fell off of her high-rise apartment building in Manhattan and her body was found on the sidewalk on Sunday at 7:05 am. Police are still continuing their investigation to find out exactly what really happened to Kryst, although it has been officially announced to be a suicide.

Police have stated that they are unsure if she fell from her apartment which is on the 9th floor or if it was one of the higher floors which was the 29th floor, which is where she was last seen on January 31. It was said that she had suffered multiple blunt impact injuries and NYPD will look into this further, Detective Martin Brown stated on Monday.

Cheslie Kryst left a suicide note that was dedicated to her mom, April Simpkins, who was awarded Mrs. North Carolina United States on 2002. Kryst looked up to her mom and wanted to follow in her foot-steps. It was said by her mom that she suffered from “high-functioning depression” and chose to keep it hidden from everyone.

She also made a statement a little after her daughter’s death was announced, “I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed… Cheslie led both a public life and a private life.In her private life, she was suffering from high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone – including me…She has left us with her last words on an instagram post before her passing that said, “May this day bring you rest and peace.” 

It is so devastating to hear how, somehow, someone who was so successful, beautiful, smart and seemed so full of joy and positivity, was suffering and going through so much behind closed doors. It just proves no matter what you may see on the outside, you never know what someone may be going through on the inside.

This just shows how important it is to make sure you always take time to check in on your loved ones. See how they are doing, spend time with them and tell them how much they mean to you. A simple “I’m here for you” can go such a long way for someone and can completely turn things around for them.

If there is anything going on in your life and feel down, or if you feel worried for a friend or a loved one, please consider contacting the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1800-273-8255). And Rest in Peace to Cheslie Kryst.